De La Cruz spent the 2011 season at Double-A, where he posted a 4.19 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 6.0 BB/9 in 86 innings as a starter and reliever. The 6'5" 23-year-old has a 4.21 ERA with 8.9 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9 in six minor league seasons spent mostly in the rotation.